Grace Meng Raises $300,000 for Congressional Race; Says it Will Be a Historic Campaign

April 3, 2012

Assemblywoman Grace Meng, who is running for Congress, in Flushing today.Sam Levin

Queens Assemblywoman Grace Meng, who would be New York’s first Asian-American member of Congress, has raised $300,000 in ten days.

Obviously, she’s thrilled.

“We are definitely excited. I think this is going to be a historical campaign that people all throughout New York and the country are looking at,” Meng told the Voice this afternoon after the mayor held a press conference on senior centers in Flushing, Queens.

Meng started fundraising on March 21st and had pulled in a total of $300,000 by the end of the March 31st cycle, her campaign announced this morning in an email.

In that email, Meng said, “While our congressional district is one of the most diverse in the country, it is our shared values and common priorities that define our communities and define us as neighbors. We need honest, serious leaders in Washington who can get the job done on the important issues we collectively face – protecting Medicare and Social Security, creating sustainable quality jobs, and providing the educational opportunities that give all of our children the best chance for a better future.”

Meng told us today that Congress needs more women, which is part of the reason why her campaign is so important.

“Especially as a mom and as a wife, we want to do our best to make sure that the 17% of women in Congress is a number that increases dramatically,” she said.

When we asked her what the significance was of today’s fundraising announcement, she responded, “I think it definitely is a symbol of the excitement and support that we’ve been getting and we look forward to getting.”

If you like reading long lists, here’s the endorsements Meng has collected, which her team sent out today: